Hey, Father! How do we broach purgatory to non-Catholics after a death?
When someone dies, I often hear loved ones and even ministers say, “They are better off now, with Jesus in heaven.” As Catholics believe in purgatory, what words of sympathy…
Read MoreHey, Father! How much of Mass must I attend for it to count?
At what point in the Mass is it considered too late to show up? What then actually counts as my Sunday obligation in terms of my presence at Mass? Also,…
Read MoreHey, Father! Why do we bow during parts of the Nicene Creed?
During the proclamation of the Creed, either the Apostles Creed or the Nicaean Creed, we bow our heads during the portion that covers Jesus’ incarnation and birth. If the core of…
Read MoreHey, Father! Explain the scapular and why I should wear one
I just received a scapular. What is a scapular, and why should I wear it? Do you really avoid hell by wearing one? Are there any prayers/devotions I must pray…
Read MoreHey, Father! In the Apostles’ Creed, it says, ‘… on the third day he (Jesus) rose again from the dead…’ Why do we say, ‘again’?
In the Apostles’ Creed, it says, “He descended into hell; on the third day he rose again from the dead … .” The word again has always brought questions to my mind…
Read MoreHey, Father! What happened to the souls that died before Jesus? What is this ‘third heaven?’
What happened to all the souls that died before the coming of Christ? In 2 Corinthians 12:2, St. Paul says that he was caught up in the “third heaven.” What…
Read MoreHey, Father! Why are bells rung at the consecration?
Why do some parishes ring the bells during the consecration (elevation of Body and Blood of Jesus) and others don’t? The silence is profound when absent! Also, why does the priest place…
Read MoreHey, Father! Can I name my guardian angel?
Can we name our guardian angels? John in Chatham One of the earliest prayers I learned as a child was the Guardian Angel Prayer, which I still say to begin…
Read MoreHey, Father! Why does Jesus, after healing someone, instructs the person to not to tell anyone?
I often wonder why Jesus, after healing someone, instructs the person not to tell anyone as in Mark 1:40-45. Janet in Forsyth Dear Janet, The Scripture you cite comes at…
Read MoreHey Father! Why do Catholics eat fish on Fridays and when did this start?
It may well be at this time of year that the most frequently asked question of Catholics concerns the eating of fish on Fridays. First, we should recall that Catholics…
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